Scratching furniture: offer a better outlet

Improve the outlet for this natural behavior.

Cat & Seek editorial · Updated 2026-10-01 · Not veterinarian-reviewed

At a glance

Offer stable surfaces for stretching that suit scratching preferences.

What you can do

Place a scratcher near the preferred target or resting area.
Try textures and orientations and ensure stability.
Reward use gently and temporarily protect furniture.

Common mistakes

Spraying or shouting does not meet the need; declawing is not furniture protection.

When to seek help

Seek veterinary or qualified behavioral help for sudden changes or conflict.

References

Cats Protection · Cats and scratching

These are writing references and further reading, not endorsements or reviews of this article.

Knowledge you can trace.

Every article includes sources and an update date.
Health content is educational and has not been reviewed by a veterinarian.

Our editorial principles